Latest statistics from Public Health England show a 12 per cent fall over three years in the number of people in secure settings getting help for substance misuse problems. There were 53,193 adults in alcohol and drug treatment in prisons and secure settings in 2018/19 – in 2015/16, there were over 60,000 people in treatment.
There has also been a marked rise in the number of people presenting for treatment with a crack cocaine problem. In 2015/16, 54 per cent of people using opiates also used crack cocaine. This figure has now jumped to 73 per cent.
Deaths in treatment have also risen, from 43 deaths in 2017/18 to 54 in the latest year. There has been a small increase in the proportion of previously heroin-dependent prisoners being released with take-home naloxone, but this remains critically low at 17 per cent.
Related Content
Collective Voice responds to the Government’s 10-year health plan consultation
The health and care system needs clear priorities and leadership, with long-term direction setting and funding commitments. Download our full consultation submission This week, Collective
Collective Voice responds to latest stats on alcohol and drug treatment
Government statistics confirm that charities have delivered a swift, impressive impact by supporting people to overcome issues with alcohol and other drugs See the stats
The devil is in the detail – concerned and cautious Budget optimism
My concern is that charities could be overlooked, but this Budget is just the start, and I look forward to seeing the Government work with
